Living in fear – Residents of Tikaram Place tell why
Crime, rhymes with the area as residents claim criminals roam their streets.
Residents of Tikaram Place at Namadi Heights, Suva, are calling on the Fiji Police Force to step up patrols in the area.
The call comes after a resident in the area had captured on video an alleged daring daylight carjacking incident last Thursday, which went viral on social media. The video footage has helped Police catch three of the suspects involved.
Prior to the incident, residents who spoke to Fiji Sun said such criminal acts was something they have lived with for many years. Last Thursday’s incident has struck more fear. Residents who were interviewed by Fiji Sun yesterday spoke to us on condition of anonymity. “I am requesting Police Commissioner to provide more Police officers patrolling in our area,” one concerned resident said. “We live in fear every day and always wondering what will happen to us. People are scared to step out of their house after dark. “The roundabout at the Tikaram Place is a short cut to Nabua. We are requesting the Government if they can build a fence or wall so that people can stop using the roundabout.” Another resident who has been living in the area for the past 15 years said: “Every home in the Tikaram Place have been broken into. “We want Tikaram Place to be free from robberies and break-ins. We cannot trust strangers in this area because we might not know when we will get robbed. “Residents here did not have the gates, but now all the homes have gates and they always lock their gates, even when they are at home. Despite having retaining walls some robbers’ break-in by climbing the walls.” Another resident said women were not safe in the area. “They are always scared to help anyone who is being robbed in this area,” the resident said. “They are scared of being threatened, killed or raped by the robbers. The residents are now cutting down big trees or flower plants in front of their homes after the incident on Thursday. “Some people will always hide behind these plants and when anyone walks alone in this area they are being robbed.” Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said: “We have taken heed of all the issues by the residents. “The Police will now act on it and we will ensure to increase our Police patrolling at Tikaram Place,” she said.